Background:Jobs & Economy in Utah

A strong economy is one of the paramount contributors to Utahns’ high quality of life. Today, Utah’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation. The state has diverse industries and jobs and has consistently been ranked among the best states to grow a business. In addition, wages and jobs have increased, not only for high-income earners, but also for low- and middle-income workers.

But economic growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The future of the state’s economy will be determined by the decisions Utahns make regarding almost every issue facing the state, including air quality, water, disaster resilience, education, recreation, communities, transportation, energy, and agriculture. Poor air quality, for example, will discourage businesses and employees from locating to the state. Further, if Utahns do not wisely manage and prepare for future water needs, businesses will not have sufficient water to run effectively. And if Utahns do not prepare for catastrophic events, the economy could be diminished or destroyed by a single natural disaster. Providing a good education, on the other hand, will strengthen the economy because a highly educated workforce attracts employers and facilitates innovation. Ensuring easy access to world-class recreation will also attract jobs and talent, as well as tourists. In addition, Utah’s economy will run more efficiently and attract more employers if communities are designed to make it easy for Utahns to access shopping, jobs, and education and for businesses to move goods and provide services. And the success of Utah’s energy and agriculture industries will affect overall self-sufficiency and the economy, particularly for rural communities.

Not only is a strong economy the result of Utahns’ wise choices, but it also facilitates future good decisions. If Utahns have sufficient means to provide for their families, for instance, they are more likely to have the flexibility to implement technologies and other measures to reduce their water and energy consumption. And when they enjoy high employment rates with good wages and benefits, the state has more funding to invest in education, transportation, and other priorities.